Artists
Rural artists live close to earth. Connected to the worldwide web and being grounded in the culture of rural communities, gave rise to an exciting rural-hip style developing in the far north of South Africa – one that draw from the rich cultural heritage of the north but also engage with modern mediums and universal politics.
Madi a Thavha supports the artists and crafters
The Venda, Tsonga and Northern Sotho artists work in wood, clay, textile, beads, recycled metals, stone, bones, paper and even maize flour and dung. Their homesteads and workshops are hubs of creativity.
Madi a Thavha supports the artists and crafters with product development, workshops and exposure to global trends and marketing. In our Dancing Fish gallery we present, explain and promote their work. Here we also present the context of Limpopo art, from ancient stone-age times up to now. We frequently organise training and inspirational gatherings with artists at our lodge. Product design and developing production processes are also part of this service.
Madi a Thavha’s focus is ultimately to source, promote and provide CraftArt that reflects the unique, diverse and culturally rich northern regions of Limpopo Province in South Africa.
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Sharlotte Mabunda
Beader Sharlotte Mabunda and woodcarver Thomas Kubayi makes a creative couple, supporting each other's work too.
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Kenneth Nonyama
Kenneth likes to carve fishes and crocodiles but actually "I am the king of the birds" he laughs, "because this is what my surname Nonyama means".
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Petrus Sekele
I use the wood of an indigenous shrub called the Mogwane (Grewia) the tree produces very nice sturdy sticks to make walking sticks.
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Madi a Thavha Textile & Design studio
These capable women run the sewing workshop at the lodge and train and support other textile-workers.
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Rendani Matcheke
Rendani had to leave school to work at 16, now she runs her own small business at home while crocheting her way open to avenues in Europe and South Africa
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Sophia Baloyi
Sophia learned how to use heritage based techniques and materials to make contemporary products, based on the design and colour trends for tourists and interior decorators.
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Tshandama Lukau Drop-In’s Sewing and Beading
Childcare volunteers in the far Northern Limpopo, sew and bead as extra income.
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Ndlovu Sisters
The Ndlovu sisters specialise in African fashion design, beading & dress making
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Pilato Bulala
One day a canary yellow ‘fly-machini’ with peppermint green dots rose out of the dust of Tshivuyuni village near Elim in rural Limpopo.
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Khathutshelo Mufamadi
John Baloyi drove 25km with my first R50 carving income
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Mishack Raphalalani
Culture, religion and oral history feature strongly in master's sculptures
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Amorous Maswanganye
Colourful wooden sculptures often pieces with social comment
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Ezerael Tavhana
Venda storytelling in wood and functional art
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Masungulo Beads & Textile
Colorful beaded and embroidered wall hangings Tsonga style
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Rebecca Matibe
Acclaimed master potter Rebecca Matibe is a perfectionist
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Lucky Makamu
Characteristic mix of metal and wood in famous benches
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Kheila Ngobeni
Beading secrets from the royal kraal
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Barok
A Barok bag is a piece of Art
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Azwi Magoro
A master, roots of his heritage expressed in finest detail
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Nyalusa Vhukoni
Beaded fertility dolls with modern twist
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Mapuve pottery
Creating Tsonga pots also spiritual
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Avhashoni Mainganye
Versatile artist working in various mediums and master etcher
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Eco products
Skin care products based on baobab oil
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Twananani Textiles
Mix of textile printing, batik, beading, embroidery, block printing
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Philip Rikhotso
Quirky and bright wooden sculptures and musical instruments
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Johannes Maswanganyi
Rural and national social comment in colour and wood
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Albert Monyayi
Known for huge sculpted marimbas, drums and wooden sculptures
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Afrikania Pottery
Unique patterns based on heritage elements
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Mogalakwena Craft Art
Contemporary embroidery work expressing Northern Sotho rural stories
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Kaross™
Exquisitely rich embroidered, reshuffled and remixed CraftArt of Tsonga heritage
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Noria Mabasa
Master artist of wooden and clay sculptures and notorious social comment
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Justice Mugwena
Contemporary sensual wooden sculptures and benches
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Vutsila Art Centre
Sculptures, musical instruments and drumming performances
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Mukondeni Pottery Factory
Traditional and modern pots and clay objects
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Lucky Ntimani
Traditional music instruments and wooden sculptures inspired by traditional stories
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Handcrafted Paper
Handcrafted paper from elephant dung
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Tambani
Embroidering Lungano, oral Venda traditional story telling and songs
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Sasavona Kubayi
Few people can still weave traditional Tsonga grass baskets
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Nyeleti Maluleke
Colorful necklesses, bracelets and earrings inspired by ancestors
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Tshandama Freedom Art Market
The sound of Tshandama drums can be heard across the globe
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Mukondeni Pottery Village
Traditional and modern pots and clay objects in this rural village
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Japhter Luvhimbi
Chunky jewelry, striking and fashionalbe functional art, high skills level
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Frank Kubayi
Traditional woven Tsonga baskets made from grass, wood and river reeds
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Homu Minceka White
Traditional Tsonga beaded textiles and objects, also of spiritual significance
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David Murathi
Traditional wooden scultures and beautiful sculpted interior products
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Mtititi Magic
Traditional and modern Tsonga bead work, embroidery and jewels
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Thomas Kubayi
Traditional and contemporary wooden sculptures and and music instruments